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My Diary

Intermediate Agility Class #9

Another class, but today we went for a Friday morning one. It is one hour later than the time we go for Tuesday morning so it was warmer already. Goofy did act sluggish, but I can't say for sure if it is because of the weather or because she had such a big meal last night. I think in the future I will make sure she doesn't have that much to eat before classes.

Goofy is back to being "duh" about weave poles again...haha It is funny sometimes she does awesome and other times she acts retarded. Luckily I will be placing an order for some weave poles this month so we can practice at home. Teacher did say though that weave poles take time to learn properly. It can take years before she does really well on them. So I guess I shouldn't feel too bad since she does okay from time to time.

She did get scared on the teeter again.... -.- Oh well. This time her back legs almost slipped off. We will keep at it and with time I don't think it will be a problem. As long as I can encourage her and she will do it, we will keep trying. When she finally quits altogether I would start worrying.

Our "get" exercise is paying off. We will continue to practice this between classes.

Teacher also told me a few things I did wrong and how to correct it. Goofy was doing awesome, but I need some work too...haha I need to be sure I am sending clear signals for her to understand. But I am learning and I hope Goofy keeps trying to figure me out even though I can be confusing if not retarded at times.

Next class is Tuesday morning (no rain please). No other class the rest of the week because teacher will be out of town for an agility competition in GA. Guess we will have to practice at home then. Not time for us to get lazy and flabby. =P

Intermediate Agility Class #8

Well, today was the 8th Intermediate Agility Class. I can say for sure that she has made a lot of progress this month. She takes 2 classes a week and I hope to eventually get it up to 3 classes a week if I can. As long as Goofy is having fun of course.

Today rained a lot. For the start of the class at least the rain had stopped in the area for about 30 minutes. We were only able to complete 2 mini courses, but I can see definite improvement.

She is taking the weave poles appropriately today. The teeter takes minimal encouragement to get her to go. Tunnels with water didn't seem like a huge issue. She would still perform when it was raining lightly, but when it poured like crazy everyone ran for cover. We had to be careful on walks and A-frame cause of the rain and I can see Goofy's pace slow on those items. She did have some problems with the tire today, but also there were grass bits that were hitting her in the head so I can see why she had some issues.

But the best thing is finally a little more distance control. This week I had been practicing at home with my 2 single jumps outside. I would tell her to "over" one of them while standing still and then tell her to "Get" the next jump ahead without moving. It took a short time for her to figure it out. We also did some control exercises teaching her to watch the hands for cues. But it was sure great when we did one of the mini courses and instead of running to the jump further away I wanted her to get, I just told her "Get" and she got it. The word "Go on" was definitely not for us, and I do need to be careful with the "Get" now since it has a meaning.

We will see how the weather is tomorrow for another class at night.

Intermediate Agility Class #7

Last night was another class. Goofy seems to be slowly getting over her reluctance to do the teeter. In the beginning of the class we go straight to the teeter, I pick her up and place her near the end so she can get comfortable again with the feeling of the teeter dropping. Then I slowly move the point I place her on the teeter back. I am almost having her at the mid point. But while running the course today I was able to convince her minimally to take the whole teeter from start to finish, so she is getting more confident. I am glad she was afraid because now she will have a more solid foundation of the teeter without fears popping up later down the line.

The current issue seems to have changed to the weave poles now. I don't know if she is just bored of it or doesn't like it. Either way it is a new one to practice more of once the teeter is conquered.

The tunnels don't seem to be much of an issue now.. she does balk at times at the walk which I assume is because she thinks it is a teeter. Her distance work is getting a little better, but we still need more practice.

The multiple jump exercise isn't really going anywhere so I have a new idea on how to get her to do it. We will just start with 1 then go to 2, then so on. Break it down into little steps because she isn't getting the idea of what I want with all 6. Oh, and another reason she might be confused as to what to do. I use the words teacher uses, "Go on". But I don't think that will work for us. I use the word "go" frequently with no true meaning which can cause this confusion. So I must come up with another word and determine the meaning of it so as not to confuse Goofy. It is a wonder she doesn't just give up on me...haha

So until next week, we have some practice to do at home. Too bad it has been so HOT out.